Within the Bahrain Grand Prix pre-race, Ferrari’s technique with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton was unclear, particularly concerning the selection of beginning tire. Within the main group, everybody opted for the Smooth tire for the primary stint on the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain Worldwide Circuit in Sakhir, whereas the 2 SF-25 automobiles began with Mediums. The choice was based mostly on the concept, with a full gasoline load, the Italian automobile would have extra tendency to slip.
The usage of the yellow tire, which has a barely greater working temperature vary, may assist enhance the thermal administration of the rear. The choice was due to this fact made contemplating the truth that Bahrain is likely one of the most demanding circuits for tire thermal degradation and that the primary restrict is the overheating of the rear, particularly throughout acceleration phases.
With this technique, Ferrari deliberate to make use of the Pirelli tires with the pink band solely within the ultimate section of the Bahrain Grand Prix, when the automobile could be lighter and its conduct extra predictable. However, those that began with the pink tire had higher acceleration from the grid. George Russell and Lando Norris, for instance, with much less rear-sensitive automobiles, warmed their tires extra slowly however in a managed method. Within the first laps, Charles Leclerc struggled with the Medium tire. Lots of oversteer, indicating difficult thermal administration of the rear. The Monegasque driver additionally reported brake points, described as “inconsistent,” whereas Lewis Hamilton complained of poor grip, once more on the Medium tires. Numerous directions got here from the Ferrari pit.
These referred to the temperatures, together with recommendation on nook speeds at particular factors on the monitor. The Monegasque responded that he would do a “Carry and Coast.” Within the first section of the stint, it was evident that the Smooth was extra constant. From the tenth lap onward, nevertheless, even the automobiles with the pink tire began to undergo, with Oscar Piastri reporting rear overheating.
Lewis Hamilton reported that the tires had been enhancing, suggesting delaying the pit cease, as his Ferrari race engineer Riccardo Adami confirmed that that they had switched to “Plan B.” Tire cooling on this section is linked to the discount of tread thickness: because the tire wears, it deforms much less, producing much less warmth.
Let’s additionally check out the pit stops and methods to see who made your best option. The primary to pit had been Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. McLaren mounted the Medium tire to strive an undercut on George Russell, contemplating the 5-second penalty. On a high-degradation circuit like Sakhir, the undercut is extraordinarily efficient. Max Verstappen, alternatively, complained of overheating on the entrance and a basic lack of grip.
The RB21 single-seater proves very delicate to temperatures, and the Austrian F1 crew selected to mount the Arduous tire, which is extra manageable however supplies much less grip. Lando Norris, 4 laps later, acquired the brand new Medium compound: in response to the engineers of the Italian crew, it was extra aggressive than a used Smooth.
At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc made his first cease on lap 19, with the mechanics mounting a second set of Mediums on his automobile. The Arduous tire was discarded after Max Verstappen’s experiences, who had radioed in saying there was no grip in any respect. The identical alternative was made for the British driver of the Italian crew.
With the second set of Mediums, Charles Leclerc confirmed wonderful race tempo, recovering time on the main group. Based mostly on the onboard footage, it’s evident how Charles Leclerc managed to stabilize the rear tire temperature, maintaining it about +10 levels celsius over the goal. The SF-25 single-seater confirmed good steadiness and responsiveness throughout this section. At this level, the Maranello crew’s technique was “uncovered” and wanted to make one other cease to alter tire compounds.
However, that they had solely used the Mediums. McLaren was contemplating a double cease, deeming the single-stop technique too gradual. In addition they defined to Lando Norris that Charles Leclerc had handed him solely due to a tire that was 4 laps more energizing, and that not one of the drivers forward had any Mediums left. A compound that, ultimately, was one of the best of the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Security Automobile on lap 30 neutralized any potential undercut. All of the groups had been already within the ideally suited pit cease window and thus referred to as their drivers in. McLaren mounted the final set of Mediums, confirming the wonderful strategic administration of the crew. George Russell switched to used Softs, regardless of having Arduous tires obtainable.
Ferrari, alternatively, fitted Arduous tires on each automobiles, ignoring the potential of mounting the used Softs. The concept was to intention for extra manageable thermal administration. Nonetheless, when the race restarted, the boundaries grew to become clear: Lewis Hamilton instantly reported points with the entrance tires, talking of a scarcity of rotation. The understeer of the SF-25 grew to become evident, particularly with the white compound.
In hindsight, Ferrari may need break up the technique and put Softs on one of many two drivers. There was no radio communication discussing tire choice with Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton, though it’s attainable they communicated by way of the steering wheel to keep away from giving any references to opponents.
In comparison with 2024, the SF-25 automobile took a step again when it comes to race tempo. The Bahrain Grand Prix as soon as once more confirmed this, particularly on the very abrasive monitor floor. The primary stint with the Mediums and full gasoline confirmed an excessive amount of degradation. Issues improved afterward, however pure efficiency continues to be missing.
Charles Leclerc acknowledged it clearly: the automobile will not be but as full because the McLaren, making it troublesome to discover a aggressive setup on each monitor. The SF-25 works nicely with the Medium tire, struggles with the Arduous, and is delicate to each exterior situation. There may be loads of work to do. The following race in Saudi Arabia on the Jeddah circuit may spotlight the Ferrari’s rear-end effectivity. And there, each technical and strategic determination will weigh closely.
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